Understanding How Children with SEND Experience and Process Grief
Bereavement and loss affect every child differently — but for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the way they process and express grief can be unique, complex, and often misunderstood. This specifically looks at how children with severe learning disabilities, autism and/or PMLD process this information.
This 90 minute condensed session is designed for parents, carers, and professionals who support children with SEND. Whether a child is coping with the death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, or significant life changes like divorce or moving home, this session will equip you with greater understanding and practical tools to offer sensitive, effective support.
I have worked for 25 years in SEN education, a creative arts counsellor, play therapist, therapeutic life story practitioner, filial therapist and specialist SEN yoga teacher for children.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ How grief presents in children with different types of SEND (including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and speech and language needs) as well as the theories surrounding grief
✔️ Common behaviours, coping mechanisms, and misconceptions around grief and bereavement in SEND and neurotypical populations
✔️ How to communicate about death and loss in accessible, meaningful ways
✔️ Strategies to support emotional wellbeing through rituals, routines, and sensory-friendly practices
✔️ Resources, activities, and scripts you can use immediately
✔️ Where and how to seek specialist support when needed
Who is this for?
This session is ideal for:
👩👩👦 Therapists and counsellors
🎓 SENCOs, TAs, teachers and support staff
👩⚕️ Social workers, early help workers, and family liaison officers
💙 Parents and carers of children with SEND
